Md. GOP executive director resigns suddenly

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - The executive director of the Maryland Republican Party has resigned, leaving unexpectedly in the middle of a monthly leadership meeting.

State GOP chairwoman Diana Waterman tells The Frederick News-Post (http://bit.ly/1ayanlD ) that David Ferguson stood up about an hour into Monday evening's meeting in Annapolis, collected his belongings from his office and left. She says no argument led up to his departure.

Waterman says she later confirmed that Ferguson's departure represented his resignation, but didn't think the action was acrimonious. She notes that Ferguson's 21-month tenure in the position is one of the longest in party history.

In a message to fellow party members, Ferguson says the past decade has been tough for Republicans in Maryland, but he found his time as executive director rewarding.